Approved: 1/2014

Public Speaking (SPCH 1315) Online

Credit: 3 semester credit hours (3 hours lecture)

Prerequisite/Co-requisite: Complete the Online Orientation and

answer yes to 7+ questions on the Online Learner Self-Assessment:

http://www.lit.edu/depts/DistanceEd/OnlineOrientation/OOStep2.aspx.

Course Description Application of communication theory and practice to the public speaking context, with

emphasis on audience analysis, speaker delivery, ethics of communication, cultural

diversity, and speech organizational techniques to develop students’ speaking abilities, as

well as ability to effectively evaluate oral presentations. This course is time-bound,

structured, and completed fully online. Recorded speeches with an audience are

required.

Required Textbook and Materials There are two required textbooks for this course:

1. A Concise Public Speaking Handbook, 3rd

Edition. Steven A. Beebe and Susan J.

Beebe

2. What Every Student Should Know About…Citing sources with MLA

Documentation. Greer.

Choose one of the following “Purchasing Methods”:

Purchase bundled from the bookstore or Pearson store:

o ISBN: 978-0-205-93463-8

o http://www.pearsonhighered.com/educator/product/CONCISE-PUYBL-

SPEAKG-HDBKWESSKA-CITING-SRC/9780205934638.page

Purchase separately:

1. Concise Public Speaking Handbook, 3rd

. Edition. Steven A. Beebe and Susan

J. Beebe (Paper: ISBN 978-0-205-75370-3 or Electronic ISBN: 978-0-205-

82812-8

2. What Every Student Should Know About…Citing sources with MLA

Documentation. Greer. (ISBN: 978-0-+205-71511-4)

Additional Materials:

1 package of 3x5 to 5x7 index cards and materials for visual aids.

Camcorder or other stationary recording device for filming of speeches.

High Speed Internet Connection

YouTube account.

Course Objectives Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the foundational models of communication.

2. Apply elements of audience analysis.

3. Demonstrate ethical speaking and listening skills by analyzing presentations for

evidence and logic.

SPCH 1315 Online

Course Syllabus

2

4. Research, develop and deliver extemporaneous speeches with effective verbal and

nonverbal techniques.

5. Demonstrate effective usage of technology when researching and/or presenting

speeches.

6. Identify how culture, ethnicity and gender influence communication.

7. Develop proficiency in presenting a variety of speeches as an individual or group

(e.g. narrative, informative or persuasive).

Course Outline

A. Introduction to Public Speaking

a. Speaking in Public

b. The Audience-Centered

Speechmaking Process

c. Ethics and Free Speech

d. Improving Your Confidence

B. Analyzing an Audience

a. Listening

b. Analyzing Your Audience

c. Adapting to Your Audience

as You Speak

C. Preparing a Speech

a. Developing Your Speech

b. Gathering Supporting

Material

c. Supporting Your Material

D. Crafting a Speech

a. Organizing Your Speech

b. Developing an Introduction

c. Developing a Conclusion

d. Outlining and Editing Your

Speech

e. Using Words Well

E. Delivering a Speech

a. Methods of Delivery

b. Nonverbal Communication

c. Verbal Communication

d. Delivering Your Speech

e. Selecting Presentation Aids

f. Designing and Using

Presentation Aids

F. Types of Speeches

a. Informative Speaking

b. Understanding Principles of

Persuasive Speaking

c. Using Persuasive Strategies

d. Speaking in Small Groups

Grade Scale 900 – 1000 A

800 – 899 B

700 – 799 C

600 – 699 D

0 – 599 F

Course Evaluation Final grades will be calculated according to the following criteria:

Five Speeches 50%

Homework, written assignments 30%

Tests/Evaluations 20%

Course Requirements 1. Basic computer skills including email, word processing, use of internet, file

management, uploading files and videos.

2. Audiences for ALL Presentations must include no less than five (5) adults.

3. The speaker and audience must be on camera at ALL times.

4. This course requires 5 speeches including written preparation:

SPCH 1315 Online

Course Syllabus

3

a. An introduction speech

b. Two informative speeches

c. Two persuasive speeches

5. Participate in discussion boards, complete homework assignments, self-

evaluations and listening assignments.

Course Policies 1. Must log into blackboard to attend class.

2. Should check Blackboard 4-5 times each week.

3. Should spend a minimum of 3-6 hours a week on course assignments.

4. All work will be submitted through assignments tab or discussion boards on

Blackboard.

5. Any assignment submitted that contains plagiarism will earn an automatic zero

and further action may be taken.

6. Each assignment in this class has a due date; late assignments will not be

accepted.

Technical Requirements The latest technical requirements, including hardware, compatible browsers, operating

systems, software, Java, etc. can be found online at:

http://kb.blackboard.com/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=71860304

A functional broadband internet connection, such as DSL, cable, or WiFi is necessary to

maximize the use of the online technology and resources.

Disabilities Statement

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of

1973 are federal anti-discrimination statutes that provide comprehensive civil rights for

persons with disabilities. Among other things, these statutes require that all students with

documented disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for

reasonable accommodations for their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability

requiring an accommodation, please contact the Special Populations Coordinator at (409)

880-1737 or visit the online resource:

http://www.lit.edu/depts/stuserv/special/defaults.aspx

Course Schedule (subject to change) Week Topic Reference

1 Orientation to Class Online: First Things First

Class Introductions Discussion Board

Pre-Test

2 Introduction to Public Speaking Online: Learning

Modules/Chapters 1-4

The Audience Centered Speech-Making Process

Ethics and Free Speech

Improving Your Confidence

SPCH 1315 Online

Course Syllabus

4

Week Topic Reference

3 Listening

Analyzing Your Audience

Adapting to Your Audience as Your Speak

Introduction Speech and Self Evaluation

Online: Learning

Modules/Chapters 5-7

4 Developing Your Speech Online: Learning

Modules/Chapters 8-10

Gathering Supporting Materials

Supporting Your Speech

Library Assignment

5 Organizing Your Speech Online: Learning

Modules/Chapters 11-14

Developing an Introduction

Developing a Conclusion

Outlining and Editing Your Speech

6 Test 1: Chapters 1-14 Online: Learning

Modules/Chapters 1-14

Prepare for Speeches Discussion Boards

Tribute Speech Outline

7 Using Words Well Online: Learning

Modules/Chapters 15-16

Methods of Delivery

Informative Speaking Online: Learning

Module/Chapter 22

Tribute Speech and Self Evaluation

8

Nonverbal and Verbal Communication Online: Learning

Modules/Chapters 17-19

Delivering Your Speech

Informative Speech and Self Evaluation

9 Selecting, Designing and Using Online: Learning

Modules/Chapters 20-21

Presentation Aids

Informative Speech and Self Evaluation

10 Understanding Principles of Persuasive Speaking Online: Learning

Module/Chapters 23

Listening Reports

11 Using Persuasive Strategies Online: Learning

Module/Chapter 24

Problem-Solution Outline

12 Persuasive Speech: Problem-Solution and Self

Evaluation

Online: Learning

Module/Chapter 24

13 Speaking on Special Occasions Online: Learning

Module/Chapter 25

SPCH 1315 Online

Course Syllabus

5

Week Topic Reference

14 Speaking in Small Groups Online: Learning

Module/Chapter 26

Monroe’s Motivated Sequence Outline

15 Persuasive Speech: Monroe’s Motivated

Sequence and Self Evaluation

16 Test 2: Chapters 14 – 26 Online Learning:

Modules/Chapters 14-26

Contact information varies by instructor.